Airedale Athletics Summer Challenge

Lee Hipwell and Anna Smith ventured to the high Peak District to compete in the Holme Moss fell race. The weather was changeable and the route over 17 miles with at least four enormous climbs including the precipitous descent from Bareholme Moss to Crowden Brook and the scramble up Laddow Rocks the other side. The terrain varied between deep bogs, grassland, peat and the familiar flags of the Pennine Way. After the last climb the race finished with a long mile of road back to the cricket club. The winners, who recorded astounding times, were Matt Lalor of Barlick (2:44:21) and Holmfirth’s Helen Berry (2:56:57). Lee and Anna both did well in a competitive field with Lee finishing in 4:25:47 and Anna close behind in 4:26:08.

Queensbury is third in the team league behind Baildon and Saltaire. Mick Coe and Lee are fourth and fifth in the individual league with Graham Jowett, Matt Fielding and Anna also in the top ten. The Pendle 3 Peaks (22 August) and the Tour of Norland Moor (30 August) are both coming up later this month, and training for September’s Yorkshireman is in full swing. For links to the websites please check the Fixtures tab on the points file here.